Nystagmus

Six years ago I started having some crazy things happening to me. I started with some vertigo especially when I would finish driving. I started stumbling a lot and over placing things, I would put my hand on something to lean and totally miss it. I decided to check with my Dr. and he sent me for additional tests. I then saw a neurologist and everything was rolled out . But he told me I have "dancing eyes" or nystagmus.

This is a rapid uncontrollable eye movement, sometimes referred to as "dancing eyes". The most common type is congenital and when you are born with this condition most often children are able to adapt easily to this. Depth perception may become a problem. In school , items may need to be placed to the right or left which ever side the eyes are jerking towards. Usually this can be outgrown. Some ophthalmologists may offer glasses with prisms in them. If there are problems with the muscles in the eyes surgery may help. Some children are considered legally blind depending on other eye conditions at the time.

When nystagmus is acquired later in life it is usually caused by trauma , a stroke , brain tumor , auditory problems. This can also be associated with MS also. This would require immediate attention to find the root of the problem. One of the first tests that I had done was an MRI and that rolled out tumor , or stroke.
I then was sent to a Neuro/optho specialists for further help. This was more frustrating then it was worth. I was started on some medication, and was told it would probably go away in a couple months. Guess what I still have the dancing eyes.

I have stayed on the medications because that does help slow the movements at night. I have a lot of trouble reading for very long periods of time , because my eyes bounce to different lines. But I have learned to adjust and decided this is going to be forever. When nystagmus is acquired later in life balance is usually a problem. Try balancing on one leg it is very hard with this.

If you have any symptoms of anything I have just explained and has come on suddenly , call your Dr. first. Then if you get no where with that.

Call a good neurologist and make a list of all symptoms and concerns. Be prepared for multiple tests, including blood work and MRI to name a few.

Possible start on medication such as klonopin or baclofen. At times a steroid taper may help. The next step may be with a neuro/optho specialist .

Best remedy is to stay positive and learn to adapt to your moving environment. I have.